Virginia’s Youngkin Signs Law Banning Cellphones in Schools to Boost Focus

In a bold move to reclaim focus in classrooms, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation on Friday that restricts cellphone use for public school students from bell to bell. The signing took place at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell, a symbolic nod to the community’s pioneering efforts in curbing classroom distractions.

The new law, encompassing bills HB1961 and SB738, builds on Youngkin’s earlier executive order to create a cellphone-free education environment. Flanked by his wife, Virginia First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, and a crowd of students, educators, and advocates, the governor emphasized the stakes: “We’re moving mountains to free our kids from the grip of cellphones.” He pointed to mounting evidence linking excessive phone use to declining mental health, weaker academic performance, and strained social connections.

Research backs this up. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that over 70% of high school teachers view cellphone distractions as a major issue. Virginia’s new policy aims to tackle this head-on by limiting phone use during school hours, ensuring classrooms remain spaces for learning, not scrolling. Exceptions are carved out for students with medical needs or specialized education plans, balancing inclusivity with discipline.

Hopewell’s schools, which adopted a pouch system for phones in 2022, served as a model for the state. Youngkin praised their leadership, noting it inspired his push for statewide reform. The law also sets a firm boundary: schools cannot suspend or expel students for phone violations, focusing on correction over punishment.

Virginia joins a growing wave of states, following Florida’s 2023 lead, in recognizing that constant connectivity comes at a cost. By prioritizing focus and well-being, this legislation could set a national standard for distraction-free education.